The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dissolved its dedicated crypto enforcement task force, replacing it with a small cyber unit tasked with overseeing the risks of multiple technical divisions.
That's what this reorganization was like announcement Under Acting Sec Chair Mark Uyeda on February 20, 2025.
The SEC has announced the creation of Cyber and Emerging Technology Units (CETUs) to protect retail investors from bad actors in emerging technology fields, focusing on fighting cyber-related fraud.”
destruction:
US SEC is launching Cyber
A unit that fights fraud using code.Crimes are not legal!!! pic.twitter.com/wwb8puryey
– Ashcryptoreal (@ashcryptoreal) February 20, 2025
Responsibility shifts from “Crypto Mom” to Laura Dalayard
Leading by Laura D'Allaird, Cetu replaces Crypto Assets and Cyber units, consisting of around 30 fraud experts and lawyers from multiple SEC offices.
Previously, the dedicated cryptocurrency task force was to be led by Commissioner Hesterperth. Peirce is known as “crypto mama” because of her pro-cryptostance and the objections of enforcement actions (particularly by former chain Gary Gensler) that she believed to be overly harsh or ineffective.
However, the appointment of D'Allaird is welcomed by Uyeda.
“Under Laura's leadership, this new unit will complement the work of the Cryptocratic Task Force, led by Commissioner Hester Perth. Importantly, the new unit will also allow the SEC to carefully deploy its enforcement resources. It's about doing it,” Uyeda said.
“This unit not only protects investors, but also promotes capital formation and market efficiency by clearing the ways in which innovation can grow,” he added. “It will eradicate those who are trying to misuse innovation to harm investors and reduce confidence in new technologies.”
Exploration: Who is Hester Perth? “Crypto Mom” heads SEC's new Crypto Task Force
Replace the 50-member SEC task force
The SEC's decision to replace the 50-member crypto enforcement task force with a small cyber unit of around 30 fraud experts and lawyers is part of a wider policy change under the Trump administration.
Acting Chairman Uyeda emphasized that the improved units aim to not only protect investors, but also to promote innovation and market growth.
After Trump's victory, the SEC is reassessing its stance on cryptocurrency-related cases.
SEC staff agreed to dismiss the case against us (pending committee approval).
But this is not the end.
That's the beginning.
And if you have time to build it, then it's time.Thank you to everyone who stood with us and stood with the code. pic.twitter.com/gjokuzpotz
– Coinbase
(@coinbase) February 21, 2025
Under Gensler's tenure, the institution pursued a proactive enforcement strategy against cryptocurrency companies. But the Trump administration shows a potential departure from this hard-pressed approach.
83 enforcement actions have been launched and targeted major players such as Coinbase, Binance and Ripple Labs. These cases revolved around allegations of violation of the Securities Act, including the sale of unregistered tokens and the failure to register the platform as an exchange.
The SEC may begin reviewing these cases and freeze any lawsuits that do not involve fraud claims.
Exploration: Trump's SEC can review 83 crypto cases and dismiss action without allegations of fraud
The Post-SEC has replaced the Crypto Enforcement Task Force with a smaller cyber unit.
